Two separate incidents involving fatal shootings by security personnel have rocked the Albertine region, leaving two civilians dead and raising fresh concerns about the use of force by armed officers.
Police officer shoots boda boda rider in Hoima
Reuben Kwihangana, a police officer attached to Hoima Central police station was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a boda boda rider on Sunday night in Hoima city. The deceased, identified as Mawala Mawejje, a resident of Rukoge Cell in Hoima West Division, reportedly got into a scuffle with the officer following a head-on motorcycle collision at Lusaka Middle Cell around 10 pm.
According to eyewitnesses, the officer accused Mawejje of reckless riding before drawing his pistol and shooting him in the head, killing him instantly. The officer fled the scene immediately after the incident.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect was tracked down by security agencies and is now facing murder charges. The pistol used in the shooting was recovered from the officer and will be presented as evidence.
UPDF soldier arrested after bar shooting incident in Masindi
In a separate incident, Corporal Aggrey Byamugisha, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier attached to Masindi Army Barracks, was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a civilian at a bar in Masindi town.
The incident occurred around 1:50 am on Saturday at Brian’s and Trump Bar and Lodge in Kijura North Cell, Central Division. The deceased, only identified as Mugisha, a hawker and resident of Masindi, was among several patrons present when the soldier, dressed in civilian clothes and armed with an AK-47, reportedly stormed the premises and began shooting indiscriminately.
Mugisha was struck by a bullet and died on the spot. Following the incident, the suspect fled, but was later apprehended within Masindi town and detained at Masindi Central police station.
Police recovered 14 cartridges and one live bullet from the scene, which have been submitted for ballistic analysis. Both incidents are under investigation as the public continues to call for increased accountability among armed security officers.
Most modern and civilised countries that control firearms diligently have specialised police units that carry firearms. And these units are called to attention and any place where the public have any threat of a weapon in the midst of their lives. They are usually stationed at police stations and any one can walk safely on the streets without seeing any heavily armed personnel walking about showing off AK47 strapped on their shoulders!